The unexplored archaeological history of a remote island in Orkney

[@hamishauskerry]

If you'd like to support the creation of future videos, please consider buying me a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/hamishauskerry ❤ Thank you

[@nicolawilcox1769]

Hi Hamish! Happy childhood memories of dancing to Elvis with your brothers over on Auskerry. I think the best compliment I’ve ever received in life was your dad telling your mum I was “a good dancer”. I’ve been sharing your videos with my mum when I visit her and she’s been enjoying them as much as me 😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw Nicola this is lovely!! Thanks so much for commenting. I don’t remember that party as I was probably a tot but it’s so nice that you have happy memories of Auskerry too. My mum sends her best to you and your mum and is asking where is your mum based now? Take care ☺️

[@sioranth]

Currently an archaeology student in Orkney. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[@shannahenk1655]

How cool! If I had a second life to do over again with the benefit of hindsight and a later start date, I might just be doing the same.

[@hamishauskerry]

Oh awesome!! Maybe one day you’ll get to come out and make your own judgments on what you think happened here all that time ago. Thanks for watching! You’ll surely know Paul who came out to visit - you’ll see him in the next ep 😀

[@jenhanlon3840]

How wonderful. Your mum is so knowledgeable and it’s a very important thing you are doing documenting it all. Fascinating and amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks as always Jen! Mum is amazing and I’m so glad that I’ve managed to capture some of that in these films for posterity and for the record. Thanks for watching ☺️

[@bercdemir2285]

Really enjoyed the episode, thank you Hamish. Any idea how did they heat up things, since there aren't many trees on those islands (assuming that the landscape was very similar in Bronze Age)?@hamishauskerry

[@jenny4184]

@@bercdemir2285 Good Question! Will watch for someone to post the answer!

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello! It’s a really good question and I’m not absolutely certain about the answer. However I’m pretty sure that tress would have covered the island at that point - and would have been cut down by the inhabitants and wouldn’t have grown back as the climate got more extreme. Hard to be sure about anything though! Thanks for watching

[@pixie706]

Utterly fascinating. Your mother is so intelligent and thoughtful. The drone gives a good outline to the settlement and I wondered if there is a burial site too.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you!! Mum is amazing - I agree. It’s incredible her level of knowledge and understanding of all the different facets of the farm and island life. And her passion for it still burning to this day! There is a site here that we think could well be a burial site - but unless you dug it up you’d never know for sure. More detail in the next episode! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@juliemeanor6531]

I enjoyed that, very interesting. Thank you and your lovely Mum.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Julie - I’ll pass that on ❤️

[@BettyKoehler-zg5sv]

What an interesting adventure! Your mom is so knowledgeable, and it is wonderful that you are documenting her island’s history. Thank you for sharing! Love from Pennsylvania, USA 💕🌷🐻

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much Betty! Mum is amazing - and I’m so glad to have created this record of all her knowledge and passion. Take care and all the best to you!

[@carolgoodwin2052]

Ask Time Team to come! It would be a very exciting show...

[@hamishauskerry]

Maybe! Although I kinda want to preserve the lovely calmness of the island rather than see it dug up! 😀 thanks for watching

[@angelafoxmusic7265]

I thought that, too. Only 3 days of exploration but it'd be so fascinating.

[@jskeyboardwarrior-pe9kn]

Im a second year Anthropology student Orkney is on my must go see list.

[@hamishauskerry]

Yes you must! As you know there is SO MUCH here across Orkney. All the best with your studies!

[@gabischnell3196]

Your mum is a living encyclopedia, it's amazing. Whether history, ecology or agriculture she's absolutely great. It's the best decision to preserve this. Best wishes for you all.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks very much Gabi - it’s one of the most important things I’ve ever done is create a record of my amazing parents in this way ☺️

[@sandyr1789]

Astounding your Mom knows so much about Auskerry history and its wonderful that you are preserving her knowledge. It will be exciting to have an archeologist exam the island. Looking forward to that video. Thank you for all your videos about the island and life there.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much Sandy! I hope you’ll enjoy the next episode - it’s been so fascinating thinking about the history of the place in this detail! All the best to you

[@DannyTP1888]

Thanks Hamish, I'll say it again your mum is amazing and I could listen to her all day. I was recently watching an older episode of Digging for Britain and they were in the Orkney islands, while watching I wondered about ancient history of Auskerry, then you post this. Saddened to hear your families time is coming to an end on the island but understand why. I look forward to the next video.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much Danny! That’s really kind about the videos and I agree about mum 😀 all the best to you

[@shannahenk1655]

Those irises must be spectacular when they are in bloom!! It is very interesting that there had been previous archaeology done of the sites on the island. I'll have to look it up. And that's great that you had the Orkney county archaeologist out for a visit! I can't wait for that episode!

[@hamishauskerry]

Yeah they’re beautiful! We have a lot of irises on Auskerry actually and I used to pick some for my mum if I wanted her to make a cake (or to make up if I’d fallen out with her 😂) All the best to you ☺️

[@gloriasking23]

Really enjoying these videos - very well produced! Your mum is absolutely amazing - can’t wait until her book comes out!

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw that’s really kind, thank you!! Mum is amazing and I’m desperate for her to get the first book finished. It’s hard for her to find the time but we’ll make sure she does!! Take care

[@jamesprobert5516]

Fabulous video as always Hamish - its great learning about History with people who are really appreciative of the experience isnt it... And one hot cousin you got there, woof woof, you ol' trickster you.....!!

[@hamishauskerry]

😂😂 woof woof indeed. Cheers Jimbob

[@Thatcanadianguyehh]

Your mom is such an interesting and informative person. Another great video!

[@hamishauskerry]

She’s amazing isn’t she?? Woman of many talents! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@patrickmcnaughton3532]

Hi Hamish, a very interesting insight into the history of the island, the knowledge of the island that you're mother has gained over the years is amazing, I'm glad that you are in the process of archiving it for future generations. As you said time is coming to an end for the family on the island, but I hope whoever takes over treats it with the same love and respect as you're parents have done over many years it certainly deserves it,cheers fae Pat

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much as always Pat! We hope to see a transfer of this place to a new couple to take it on and have their own wonderful chapter here. 😀

[@beach2brambles]

very interesting video , your mum has a wealth of knowledge

[@hamishauskerry]

She is amazing isn’t she?! Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@martyrose]

Thank you Hamish! Interesting stuff!

[@hamishauskerry]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@wendydawe3874]

Loved to see some history of this beautiful island. Love your family and much love to your wonderful Dad. Thank you so much.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Wendy ☺️☺️

[@skooze]

Fascinating tales, as ever. Not to take away from the amazing tales but the "Rory on Air" cap made me smile, the reason we stumbled upon your excellent channel. Best wishes to your family, it was gut wrenching to hear your Dad was no longer on the island and what a horrible disease to rob somebody who could turn the debris from a salmon farm to such good use but we're so glad to hear he is safe and content.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s cool! Yeah Rory is a help to me with technical questions on audio etc and given I have more subs than him now it’s good to be magnanimous 😂😂 Thanks very much for your kind words - I really appreciate it ☺️

[@patbrougham9929]

This was really good Hamish. Thinking about the ancients opens your perspective on the here and now. Thanks for this good work.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Pat! All the best to you

[@mandynewey7215]

Such a beautiful place Hamish and so full of interest - history, birds, plants! Thanks so much.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks Mandy! I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed it ☺️

[@reb4898]

I enjoyed this video…fascinating.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah I’m so glad you have! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@patrickmcnaughton3532]

Hi Hamish, a wonderful way to archive the knowledge you're mother has amassed over her years on the island,as you said you're families time is coming to an end,we can only hope that whoever takes over the reigns that they treat it wi the love and respect as you're parents have over the years,cheers fae Pat

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah Pat thanks for this! We all hope so too. All the best to you 👍

[@MrDaSleep]

This was awesome. I have been waiting for some archaeology content about Auskerry - there are so many ruins & sites visible on Google satellite - could be a lifetime's work exploring the millennia of human occupation.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah awesome that you’ve had a look yourself! The next video should shed more light on what is here - but you’re so right that it would take someone years to truly uncover it all. Thanks for watching!

[@donnagraham6748]

Such a wealth of information from your mom. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@hamishauskerry]

She’s amazing! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@jeangenie68]

I think that when your mum finally leaves she should think of it as retirement and not as leaving i also think it would be lovely idea if she writes a book on either the history of the Island or on her life and time there.. I'd buy a copy! Fantastic video. Many thanks for sharing.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks very much for this kind comment! You’ll be glad to hear that mum IS writing a book! All about the early years when she met dad and they started to build a life on the island. She hopes to write another one in the future about bringing children up on the island and home schooling us. We’re all trying to make sure she can find some time to finish the first one but as you can see, it’s tricky! Best wishes to you ☺️

[@SaraMercer-v6i]

Such a unique way of life. Thanks for sharing 🎉

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much for watching Sara!

[@Cameron-ev7rc]

Av said it before and Al say it again. Top parents mums enthusiasm is boundless.👀👏👌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah cheers Cameron! She’s amazing - it’s great to have a record of her passion and knowledge for the place. All the best to you 👍

[@jamestregler1584]

Lovely , you make us all a part of your wonderful family. Thanks ever so much from old New Orleans 😎 !

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much James! I’d love to visit your part of the world one day. All the best to you ☺️

[@countrymousesfarmhouse497]

History is amazing. I love that theres so many intriguing spots there on one island. The theories are exciting too. The terrain is so unique, especially looking down and around on it. Thank you for inspiring appreciation for an Amazing piece of earth. ❤❤❤❤

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw thanks so much for this wonderful comment! I really appreciate the support and its lovely to know you’ve enjoyed it ☺️

[@howarddavies9677]

Beautiful video again Hamish, the scenery is just breathtaking, looking forward to the next one.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much Howard! as always I appreciate the support ☺️

[@julescaru8591]

Great stuff ! Looking forward to seeing the next one! All the best Jules 💕

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks so much Jules! ☺️

[@deirdredear]

Fascinating video . Thank you

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Reet64]

This is fascinating stuff! Looking forward to the next installment. And that drone sure is making it easier to keep that record.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you!! Yeah it certainly gives a different perspective for sure ☺️☺️

[@Nicolaspurr]

Your mum is so knowledgeable. What an amazing life to have learned so much about the history, biodiversity, landscape of one, contained place. These films are very valuable.

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s really kind! Thank you ☺️ mum is amazing - I agree

[@colincolwill1941]

Very very interesting thank you very much.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much Colin! All the best to you

[@pete_bluscorp7718]

Fascinating stuff Hamish, great that you are recording this history & have Mums knowledge as well, really enjoying your videos, cheers mate

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks very much mate! We’re all lucky that my mum is so knowledgeable and passionate about the place. I’m so glad to have a record of that. All the best to you

[@veronicabalfourpaul2288]

Another interesting video. Thank you.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks as always Veronica! ☺️

[@yellowlabrador]

the burnt mound puts me in mind of the fulacht fiadh we find here in west cork.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s absolutely fascinating to see the reconstruction of one! Thanks for sharing. It’s amazing to think about what life was like then. All the best to you 👍

[@jenny4184]

I am fascinated by your videos-you are an artist, it is such a gift to the world as well as your descendants. I find the drone bits thrilling, and I hope you win some huge videography prize With monetary reward. Your family is wonderful-National Treasure, “People of Exceptional Goodness and Brilliance”. Thank you, Hamish for sharing this incredible beauty and yourselves,

[@hamishauskerry]

This is just utterly lovely - THANK YOU! ☺️ I’m so proud of having made these films because they are a record of something that is dying out in some ways and it reassures me to see the way they’ve resonated with people. It’s also an amazing record for my children of their grandparents if I’m lucky enough to have them one day. All the best to you - your comment has made my day ❤️

[@voneschenbachmusic]

It is hard to imagine so many people once lived on this tiny island scratching out a living - looking forward to the county archaeologist next episode. I would also be curious about where the wool is exported to and how it is used.

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello! Yes it’s so fascinating. It’s hard to imagine that they perhaps lived their entire lives on this island and maybe never left? Certainly didn’t go far anyway. I’m enjoying editing the next episode! The wool is first shipped by fishing boat to Kirkwall (there’s a video in this series about that from last year and they’ll be more on that this summer). Then it’s transported to Bradford to be scoured, then it’s taken to be spun and balled and coned as spinning wool. Thanks for watching and your interest!

[@ColinLennard]

It isa joy to watch your video. What happens next who knows You know how I feel, so I live in hope.

[@hamishauskerry]

We all hope very much for a happy future for the island too - I really appreciate your support Colin ☺️

[@jobond3317]

This is a place I would to visit.

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks for watching!

[@DownToEarthwithKaty]

Your mother reminds me of mine - so intelligent and skilled in a large area of knowledge. Great seeing the drone views

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw well your mum sounds cool! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@rexochroy2]

About time thank you so much.. 😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks! 🙏

[@jskeyboardwarrior-pe9kn]

Ask the universities to visit and do some drone LIDAR of the Island

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s a good idea!! Thanks for watching

[@h.b.4058]

Time to call Time Team!

[@hamishauskerry]

😀

[@alexanderspeed9555]

Hi. The drone shots from above show distinct lines. Fascinating

[@hamishauskerry]

Yes they do and I’d love to know exactly why!

[@annaapple7452]

The drone shots are amazing to look at as a physical geographer 😊 At 7:50 there are parallel straight grooves in the terrain (to the lower right of the screen) that might be geological, but look mostly like human-made ditches to me. Any idea whether they are from the same age as the village?

[@hamishauskerry]

Do you know I’m not sure! I’m going to send some of my drone images to the archaeologist and see if he can shed any light on that. Thanks so much for watching!

[@laurencegale2763]

Really enjoying the archeology episodes! Might be worth renting a submersible drone to see if there's anything interesting at the bottom of the Loch?

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks Lauren! And well that’s a cool idea but honestly it’s not very deep so I don’t really think it would likely have anything too exciting in it. Plus the peat water is so black that seeing anything with a drone would be unlikely. Thanks for watching!

[@susancarroll7697]

Would be interesting to see what Lydar would show.

[@hamishauskerry]

Wouldn’t it?? Maybe one day! Thanks for watching

[@wendyharper8930]

About the nettles on the mound - nettles have traditionally been used for both food and fibre. They are twilled into a quite strong rope, and very useful for seafaring communities. They are also very nutritious and provide some herbal medicinal use as well. I feel confident they are survivors of human habitation.

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s fascinating! Thanks so much for watching and your comment Wendy ☺️

[@lonnieralston7149]

Wow a bunch of rocks in a field....

[@hamishauskerry]

😂 thanks for watching

[@welshmanjasonpatrick8607]

very interesting about island history off people who lived the many years go how ther lived

[@hamishauskerry]

It’s mad to think about what their lives must have been like! They may never have left during a lifetime potentially. It’s really fascinating to imagine. Thanks as always Jason mate!

[@Ecila-Samerberg]

Like your videos a lot. Where is your dad? Is he ok?

[@hamishauskerry]

Thank you so much ☺️ Sadly dad is no longer able to be on the island due to his health - but he is safe and content in Kirkwall, the town on the largest island in Orkney. Thanks for asking ❤️

[@seanolaoire8476]

Your mother is absolutely amazing such knowledge and wisdom. Love this channel..watching from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@hamishauskerry]

Aw that’s really kind and I so agree about mum! Best wishes to you in beautiful Ireland ❤️

[@fiorenzaattanasio4796]

Thank you Hamish❤have you ever thought to take a metal detector On the island to find any relics?

[@hamishauskerry]

Yes we’ve tried in the past in small areas but maybe worth trying again in the future perhaps! Thanks for watching

[@alexanderalexander7404]

I can see a ground water source just beyond the edge of the differentiated land surface, at what appears to be the base of a raised area on which the rock assemblage is positioned (at its peak). The distance of this water source (if potable) would be ideal for providing a readily available potable water source for the habitation on top of the mound.

[@hamishauskerry]

Yes very interesting isn’t it! Thank you!

[@lilykatmoon4508]

Your mom could write and awesome book, I bet!

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks very much Lily! My mum is actually writing a book about the early years on the island when her and dad started to build the house and their life there. I can’t wait for her to finish it! Thanks for watching

[@lilykatmoon4508]

@ well, I will definitely read it! I’m really inspired by people who practice traditional crafts and y’all’s wool working is so very beautiful.

[@Ramthian-q8v]

😻❤️👍👍👍

[@hamishauskerry]

👍👍

[@DallasLL]

You outdid yourself… I would never want to disturb because of the beauty but then again I’d like to dig lol I always wondered if you will ever pull up bones in your pete bog

[@hamishauskerry]

Aha my feeling exactly! I wouldn’t want to tear anything up in case what they found changed my imagination of what life here might have been like. I’ve never found any human remains in the peat bog but you do find remnants of trees that haven’t grown in Orkney for a couple of thousand years!

[@alexanderalexander7404]

Surface building wall sized blocks of stone do not tend to cluster together in a hodge podge, especially when they do not do so anywhere else, and surround themselves with a land surface almost clear of this kind of rock, with a markedly different surface to all the more distant surrounding land. This definitely happens after the abandonment of human habitation on a location. The collected rocks are generally the habitation (especially when appearing in a clustered pile- ie collapsed habitation walls). The rockless differentiated surrounding land is generally the "yard' living/gardening space of the habitation. If the ground rises towards the pile of rocks it is generally indicating that the inhabitants gathered the rock from the space around it and built on the raised area to rise above flooding and snow melt.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s very interesting analysis, thank you for taking the time to share it!

[@johnmacneill8066]

Top of a mountain, 12,000 years ago.

[@hamishauskerry]

It’s just crazy to think, isn’t it! Thanks for watching

[@houseofrelaxationandmedita8064]

Fantastic, the history is so rich. But I was wondering, how about the trees on the island? Have they been cut in the past or are there simply no trees in the area naturally?

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Trees covered the Orkenys and Shetlands; human habitation started the decline in trees since they were useful for structures, boats and firewood with demand for pasture for intensive sheep farming being the end of trees and complete transformation of the islands to the grassy/rocky isles we see today.

[@hamishauskerry]

I can’t give a better answer than the person who’s kindly already commented, but yes there’s evidence in the peat bogs here that trees once grew here. The climate here now makes it very hard for any trees to grow anymore because of the high winds and salt content in the air.

[@bobbytanzilo8739]

You should invite Time Team over.

[@hamishauskerry]

😀 maybe! Although I don’t know how I’d feel about seeing all those parts of my childhood imagination challenged 😂 thanks for watching

[@alexanderalexander7404]

The collection of iris to the lower side of the stone mound is an obvious indicator that there is something unique in the ground of this region which the iris are more than happy to take advantage of. I suspect their may be evidence of a source of potable water among these iris. The next questions are: Who planted the iris? How long ago did they do so? It may be that the inhabitants of this possible habitation brought iris to the island. They would not be the first to bring beauty with them, to a new home far from the home of their birth.

[@hamishauskerry]

These are fascinating questions! It’s amazing to consider the possibilities. Thanks so much for watching and engaging ☺️

[@rexochroy2]

No disrespect but I do miss your dad . 😊

[@hamishauskerry]

Yeah you and me both! ☺️

[@YolandaPullman]

Have any of these sites been excavated?

[@hamishauskerry]

Hey Yolanda! No, none of our sites have ever been excavated here. The local archaeologists say because they are not threatened in any way that there is no pressing reason to excavate currently but maybe one day! All the best to you and thanks for watching

[@kevinwhiteland904]

So all that time past was the island covered with trees because I don’t see any now or was it the peat that heated the water many thanks Kev.

[@hamishauskerry]

Hi Kev, thanks for this. I think the island was must have had some trees then yes. The peat was formed from tree growth etc but I’m not sure when they were all gone. They were probably all chopped down as humans started to develop more but dates wise I don’t know! I agree that they would have needed the wood to build the fires. Thanks for watching!

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Tree pollen found in archaeological digs indicates the Orkneys and Shetlands were covered with trees. These islands today all represent extremely damaged ecosystems due to human activity and centuries of overgrazing by sheep. There are ongoing efforts to reintroduce native trees to the islands including cloning of the last living native hazel trees found on the Shetlands.

[@johnmacneill8066]

​@@hamishauskerry Is it possible to re-forest the island?

[@voneschenbachmusic]

​@@johnmacneill8066 Certainly - there are already efforts to restore native forest habitats and preserve native tree species. Trees could be restored to Auskerry but care would need to be taken to make sure they were native and the seedlings would need to be protected from sheep grazing. Since this would reduce pastureland there would also need to be grants, compensation or incentives for anyone trying to make a living on the island, whether the current family or newcomers to the islands.

[@alexanderalexander7404]

Among the iris near the walls do some intense ground sleuthing for evidence of an ancient well. Your suspicions of an underground water source may well be accurate.

[@hamishauskerry]

👍👍☺️

[@somefatbugger]

Loved this video. I'm very much into archaeology and as usual you brought us a great long story of the island for all to enjoy. Cheers from Shaun in Australia.

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah thanks so much Shaun! I really appreciate that - all the best to you 👍

[@alexanderalexander7404]

You need to establish where all present and past surface fresh potable water sources on the island are. These will tell you a LOT about the location and land use of each of the settlements over time. Water, and close proximity to drinkable water, was, and is of parament importance to all inhabitations of the island. Only fools, and those that love tons of unnecessary hard work, will inhabit an area that is far from potable water. Sensible people place their habitation as close to potable water as is safe to keep the water clean of waste from the habitation. The adage, "Don't piss in your own swimming pool!" holds true for ancients, just as it does for us.

[@hamishauskerry]

😀😀👍 I’m sure you’re spot on!

[@catherinemira75]

Where did people get their wood from to heat the water etc...? The island was wooded perhaps? 🤔

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s a really good question Catherine and yes I’m sure it’s because the island was wooded back then. We know it once was because of the peat development but it’s hard to know when all the trees disappeared but I think it was still wooded in the bronze and iron ages for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@alexanderalexander7404]

Nettles are edible when boiled.

[@hamishauskerry]

Yes! They also make good soup :)

[@Ramthian-q8v]

Aberdeen 🇬🇧

[@hamishauskerry]

👍

[@alexanderalexander7404]

Burned grass can provide wonderful nutrients for the growth of other unique vegetation. This may still account for the taller grasses that you say grow nowhere else on the island. This area may have been used to burn kelp as a cash chemical crop in the earlier part of the last century, or the latter part of the 19th century. One must then ask the question..... What were they using as fuel for these fires?

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello! Thanks for this. So they would have been able to use trees for fire wood as the island was once covered in trees before climates changed and they cut them down. Kelp burning certainly happened here as you’ll see from the episode that followed this one in the playlist ‘On To other news’. Thanks for watching!

[@666Hansen]

The mound might be what is know as a "Hørg". In Lejre in Denmark, there is something very similar with burnt stones. It is believed to be a place of sacrifice. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B6rgr

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s fascinating! It could well be that. Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@shenaghbooth4817]

Have you ever had archaeology in to look at it

[@hamishauskerry]

You will enjoy the next two episodes… we invited the county archaeologist of Orkney to visit and I filmed the whole thing :) thanks for watching!

[@nephewbob7264]

I much prefer your style of archeology, using your intelligence and imagination, rather than a pick and shovel. Well done.

[@hamishauskerry]

That’s such a lovely way to put it! Thanks so much for watching ☺️

[@joseramonvalenzuelaegea6745]

I wonder, how people from Bronze Era could reach that land so far away from the Continent?

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello! It’s a good question and I’m no expert I’m afraid. There were peoples in Orkney from at least as far back as the Neolithic era so they would have found ways to explore. But I doubt they went far at all in their lives beyond where they were born. It’s fascinating to imagine. Thanks for watching

[@alexanderalexander7404]

You needed to sit separately with a fixed camera on the map and use your fingers, or a pencil, to point to each of the items on the map, that you intend to discuss and visit, and explain what is there, and what each of them probably is. As such, it is impossible to follow your family, as the camera moves, at close range, across an island your viewers don't know, and your family talks in pre-understand blips of information that they share but are not well explained or transmitted to your viewers. Oh, by the way, your videos are being viewed and appreciated by a Canadian of Scot/Irish descent in the forests of the backbone of the Canadian Shield. Our world is so much more accessible since the arrival of the internet.

[@hamishauskerry]

I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the videos! Thanks for your feedback

[@nickmail7604]

You said "As your time on Auskerry comes to an end", as though your family intend to leave there, is the island for sale then?

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello - we don’t have firm plans for anything yet but my mum is ready for a quieter life now, plus she wants to be with my dad a lot more in the town. We hope to hand the island/farm over to a couple to take it forward with enthusiasm and have their own chapter here. Know anyone who might be interested? 😊

[@nickmail7604]

@@hamishauskerry I think you might hear this a lot but I think I might be too old unfortunately, only 60 but already having my knees, ankles and hips replaced as I've worked them hard! But what you need I think is a couple in their late twenties or early thirties, best of luck with everything and I hope it all works out for your mum and dad, and the island

[@hamishauskerry]

Thanks Nick! Yeah we hope we find a couple with that young energy and ideas that this place needs. You never know who may see the KZbins! Take care

[@pcka12]

Nothing approaching a tree in sight, the result of sheep?

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello, no - there are very very few trees in all of the Orkney and Shetland islands. There once were forests here thousands of years ago, but they have been lost due to a combination of climates changing and human activity. The weather here is so severe - wind and salt spray - that growing trees from scratch is incredibly difficult

[@pcka12]

@hamishauskerry However: if you had shelter belts of trees or bushes a number of improvements could happen. I have never ventured much further North than 4 years spent in Dundee but I do appreciate the problems. The far West of Cornwall does benefit where there are trees & shrubs but even with the Gulf Stream arcing up over the North to touch Fife & Tayside I doubt that the very flat terrain in much of the Orknies benefits much with even worse Atlantic winds.

[@ledacedar6253]

Motherwort! Plantain is natures Emergency rescue for insect bites and stings when chewed down with saliva & planted on the sting! Nettles are rich in iron & all parts harvested for rope making & medicines. I’d love to hear your mum’s wild plants Herbology!

[@hamishauskerry]

Ah that’s fascinating! I don’t think mum has ever done much of that magnitude but we did used to rub dock leaves on our skin when we got stung by nettles 😂 thanks for watching

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

Need you worry about sea level rise, do you track it?

[@breejones2501]

When you look at photos from Victorian times and compare same locations to now, there is no difference in sea levels despite the WEF misinformation/agenda.

[@hamishauskerry]

Hello! Good question and yes we have to be mindful of it. Currently we haven’t noticed a general sea level rise - but then you probably wouldn’t by eye. What we do notice is that the more extreme weather we get means the beach is being eroded in front of the house. There is a LOT less shingle protecting the bedrock under the house than there was when mum and dad built it. So that’s why we’re building a gabion wall along the front - each year we add a couple more to the line. That’s essentially steel mesh structures filled carefully with beach stones - they break the big waves up when we have storms and hopefully stop the beach from wearing completely away. Thanks for asking!

[@kerriefearby9542]

Hate that fisheye camera, i find it disorienting and it makes me feel sick.

[@hamishauskerry]

Hi there, sorry to hear that! Each to their own I guess. Thanks for watching